Navigating the immigration process can feel like a maze, and one of the crucial documents you might encounter is the I-130 petition. Often, the success of this petition hinges on supporting evidence, and that's where the I 130 Affidavit Letter Sample comes into play. This article will break down what these letters are, why they're important, and provide you with examples to help you understand how to craft them effectively.
What is an I 130 Affidavit Letter Sample and Why It Matters
Think of an I-130 petition as a way for a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor a relative who wants to immigrate to the United States. To prove that the relationship is real and genuine, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) often requires more than just official documents. This is where affidavits, or sworn statements, become super important. An I 130 Affidavit Letter Sample is essentially a template or a guide for people writing these sworn statements. These letters are from individuals who can personally vouch for the legitimacy of the relationship between the U.S. sponsor and the foreign beneficiary.
The importance of a well-written affidavit cannot be overstated . It's not just about saying "they are related"; it's about providing specific details that paint a clear picture of a real, loving, and ongoing relationship. USCIS uses these letters to detect fraud and ensure that petitions are not based on fake relationships. Having multiple affidavits from different people who know the relationship can significantly strengthen your case.
- Key components of a good affidavit include:
- The affiant's full name and contact information.
- How the affiant knows the petitioner and the beneficiary.
- The duration and nature of their relationship with both parties.
- Specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate the genuine nature of the relationship (e.g., shared holidays, family events, mutual support).
- A clear statement that the relationship is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes.
- The affiant's signature and date, often notarized.
Here's a small table illustrating different types of relationships an affiant might have:
| Affiant's Relationship to Petitioner/Beneficiary | Examples |
|---|---|
| Family Friend | "I've known the family for 15 years and have seen them celebrate birthdays together." |
| Colleague | "I've worked with [Petitioner's Name] for 10 years and they often speak about their [Beneficiary's Name] with great affection." |
| Religious Leader | "I've officiated at family events for [Petitioner's Name] and [Beneficiary's Name] and witnessed their bond." |
Affidavit Letter from a Close Family Friend
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Full Name], and I reside at [Your Address]. I am writing this letter in support of the I-130 petition for my dear friends, [Petitioner's Full Name] and [Beneficiary's Full Name].
I have known [Petitioner's Full Name] for approximately [Number] years, and through them, I have also come to know and deeply appreciate [Beneficiary's Full Name]. We met when [briefly explain how you met the petitioner, e.g., "we were neighbors," "we worked together at [Company Name]"]. Over the years, our friendship has grown stronger, and I have had the privilege of witnessing the special bond between [Petitioner's Full Name] and [Beneficiary's Full Name].
I have seen them celebrate many holidays together, including [mention specific holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays]. I recall one instance during [mention a specific year] when [describe a specific, personal anecdote that illustrates their relationship, e.g., "we all went on a family vacation to [Destination], and [Petitioner's Name] and [Beneficiary's Name] were inseparable, always looking out for each other and sharing laughter"]. They share a mutual respect, love, and companionship that is evident to anyone who spends time with them.
I am confident that their relationship is genuine and sincere. I have always known them to be a loving and supportive couple. I am writing this affidavit voluntarily to attest to the authenticity of their relationship.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
Affidavit Letter from a Parent of the U.S. Citizen/Resident
To Whom It May Concern,
I am [Your Full Name], the parent of [Petitioner's Full Name], the U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident who is petitioning for their spouse, [Beneficiary's Full Name]. My address is [Your Address].
I have had the pleasure of knowing [Beneficiary's Full Name] since [Year] when my child, [Petitioner's Full Name], first introduced them to our family. From the very beginning, I could see the genuine affection and deep connection between them. As a parent, you hope your child finds happiness, and I have seen that happiness in [Petitioner's Full Name]'s relationship with [Beneficiary's Full Name].
I have witnessed their relationship evolve over the years. We have shared numerous family events, such as [mention specific events like weddings, birthdays, family reunions]. I remember during [mention a specific year or occasion] when [describe a specific interaction or moment that highlights their loving bond, e.g., "[Beneficiary's Name] went out of their way to help [Petitioner's Name] during a difficult time," or "[Petitioner's Name] and [Beneficiary's Name] planned a surprise anniversary for us, showing their thoughtfulness and care for our family."].
I have always considered [Beneficiary's Full Name] to be a part of our family. Their commitment to each other is clear, and their love is evident in their daily interactions. I firmly believe that their marriage is a genuine union based on love and mutual respect, and not for any immigration benefit.
I am providing this affidavit voluntarily to support their I-130 petition.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
Affidavit Letter from a Sibling of the U.S. Citizen/Resident
To Whom It May Concern,
I am [Your Full Name], the sibling of [Petitioner's Full Name], the U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident. My address is [Your Address]. I am writing this letter to support the I-130 petition for my sibling and their spouse, [Beneficiary's Full Name].
I have known [Beneficiary's Full Name] since [Year], when they first began dating my sibling. I have seen their relationship blossom into a strong and loving partnership. We have shared many memorable moments as a family, including [mention specific family gatherings or trips].
One occasion that stands out in my mind is [describe a specific anecdote that demonstrates their relationship, e.g., "when my sibling was going through a tough time with work, [Beneficiary's Name] was always there to offer support and encouragement. I saw how much they cared for each other and how they leaned on one another."]. It's clear to me that they are not just partners, but best friends who genuinely enjoy each other's company.
I have observed their commitment to each other, and I am convinced that their marriage is based on true love and companionship. I support their petition wholeheartedly.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
Affidavit Letter from a Community Member (e.g., Religious Leader, Neighbor)
To Whom It May Concern,
I am [Your Full Name], and I am writing this affidavit as a [Your Role in the Community, e.g., pastor of [Church Name], a long-time neighbor of [Petitioner's Full Name]]. My address is [Your Address]. I am supporting the I-130 petition for [Petitioner's Full Name] and [Beneficiary's Full Name].
I have known [Petitioner's Full Name] for [Number] years in my capacity as [explain your connection]. Since [Beneficiary's Full Name] has been in [Petitioner's Name]'s life, I have observed their relationship firsthand. I have seen them attend [mention relevant community events, e.g., church services, neighborhood gatherings] together, and their interaction always reflects a deep respect and affection for one another.
For example, I remember during [mention a specific event or time period], when [describe a specific observation that highlights their genuine relationship, e.g., "[Beneficiary's Name] was actively involved in helping [Petitioner's Name] with a community project, showing their commitment to shared values," or "I have seen them regularly support each other through [mention shared activities or challenges]."]. Their bond appears to be one of genuine partnership and love.
Based on my observations, I am confident that the relationship between [Petitioner's Full Name] and [Beneficiary's Full Name] is authentic and not entered into for immigration purposes. I offer this statement voluntarily to support their petition.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
Affidavit Letter from a Friend of the Beneficiary
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a close friend of [Beneficiary's Full Name]. I have known [Beneficiary's Full Name] for [Number] years, and my address is [Your Address]. I am writing this letter to support the I-130 petition of [Petitioner's Full Name] for their spouse, [Beneficiary's Full Name].
I have had the opportunity to meet and spend time with [Petitioner's Full Name] on several occasions, and I have witnessed the strong and loving relationship they share with [Beneficiary's Full Name]. When [Beneficiary's Full Name] speaks about [Petitioner's Full Name], their face lights up, and they describe [him/her/them] with such admiration and love.
I remember a time when [describe a specific anecdote that shows their relationship from your perspective, e.g., "during a visit to their home, I saw how [Petitioner's Name] prepared [Beneficiary's Name]'s favorite meal and they spent the evening just enjoying each other's company," or "when [Beneficiary's Name] was feeling homesick, [Petitioner's Name] was incredibly supportive and reassured them of their love and commitment."]. Their interactions are filled with genuine affection and support.
I can confidently say that their relationship is sincere and based on true love. I am providing this affidavit voluntarily to support their petition.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
Affidavit Letter from a Co-Worker of the Petitioner
To Whom It May Concern,
I am [Your Full Name], and I have worked alongside [Petitioner's Full Name] at [Company Name] for [Number] years. My address is [Your Address]. I am writing this letter in support of the I-130 petition for [Petitioner's Full Name] and their spouse, [Beneficiary's Full Name].
While I primarily know [Petitioner's Full Name] through our professional relationship, they often speak of [Beneficiary's Full Name] with immense warmth and affection. I have heard many stories about their life together, their shared interests, and the strong bond they share.
I recall an instance when [describe a brief observation or conversation that illustrates their relationship, e.g., "during a company event, [Petitioner's Name] mentioned how [Beneficiary's Name] had helped them prepare for an important presentation, showing their supportive nature," or "I have seen [Petitioner's Name] receive calls from [Beneficiary's Name] and their demeanor always becomes even brighter."]. It is clear that [Beneficiary's Full Name] plays a significant and positive role in [Petitioner's Full Name]'s life.
Based on what [Petitioner's Full Name] has shared and my observations, I believe their marriage is genuine and based on a loving partnership.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
Affidavit Letter from a Long-Time Friend of Both Petitioner and Beneficiary
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Full Name], and I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing both [Petitioner's Full Name] and [Beneficiary's Full Name] for [Number] years. My address is [Your Address]. I am writing to offer my full support for their I-130 petition.
I first met [Petitioner's Full Name] in [Year] and later met [Beneficiary's Full Name] when they began their relationship. I have had the opportunity to witness their journey together, from the early stages of their courtship to their marriage. They have always been a devoted and loving couple.
Over the years, we have shared countless memories. I have attended numerous family gatherings, vacations, and celebrations with them. A particularly memorable occasion was [describe a specific shared experience that highlights their strong bond, e.g., "our trip to [Destination] in [Year], where [Petitioner's Name] and [Beneficiary's Name] consistently demonstrated their teamwork and affection for each other, making everyone around them feel the warmth of their connection."]. They communicate with each other with deep understanding and mutual respect.
Their relationship is one that I admire greatly. It is evident that they are soulmates who are committed to building a life together. I can attest without reservation that their marriage is genuine and founded on true love.
I am submitting this affidavit voluntarily to support their petition.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sworn and subscribed before me this ______ day of _______________, 20____.
_________________________
(Signature of Notary Public)
[Printed Name of Notary Public]
My Commission Expires: _________________________
In conclusion, while official documents are essential for an I-130 petition, personal testimonies through affidavits can significantly strengthen your case. The I 130 Affidavit Letter Sample serves as a valuable tool to guide individuals in writing clear, specific, and compelling statements that attest to the genuineness of the relationship. Remember to be honest, detailed, and personal in your affidavits to help USCIS understand the true nature of the bond between the petitioner and the beneficiary.